The Heritage Hotel Manila

It is clear from the moment you step inside that this was originally designed to be an upscale property. The lobby is large and striking, with huge pillars, gleaming floors, and two-story windows that let in lots of light. However, decor is now a little dated and its grandeur has faded. There is nothing quite wrong with this hotel -- but it does feel like it’s somewhat stuck in time. Rooms are fairly elegant, but they’re sparsely decorated and the blonde wood furniture and beige carpeting could use an update. Nevertheless, it is a popular pick among  business travelers for its close proximity to the Convention Center, to Makati, and to the airport.

The hotel is located in Pasay, right on the corner of two of the busiest roads in town, Roxas Boulevard and the EDSA. This locale is convenient for those with an early flight as well as for those looking to explore the main historic sights, as the neighborhood is located between the airport and central Manila. This part of Pasay is directly adjacent to Bay City, a shopping and business district home to the famous Mall of Asia, an entertainment park, and the SMX Conference Center. Makati and the airport are both about three miles from the hotel, but Manila is known for its traffic and getting there might take longer than expected. Historic sights such as Intramuros, Rizal Park, University of Santo Tomas, and Fort Santiago are a 15-minute drive away in normal driving conditions.

The hotel features seven different room types, including Standard, Deluxe, Club, Junior Suites, and several Suites. Units are big enough to fit at least a small sitting area with a table and two chairs, and a work desk. Junior Suites and Suites have a larger living area with a sofa bed, a coffee table, and two armchairs. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs with over 60 channels, minibars, electric kettles, and free coffee and tea -- but only Club rooms and Suites offer free Wi-Fi. Decor is mostly elegant yet a little bland and generic for an upscale hotel, with a beige palette and blonde wood furniture. All rooms have marble bathrooms with either a shower or a shower/tub combo, and are equipped with a wide array of hotel-brand toiletries. Club rooms, Junior Suites and Suites get access to the Club Lounge, offering breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, and evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for free.

Riviera Café serves an international buffet with a few Asian specialties and a halal station. The dining rooms feel a little dated, with round cafeteria-style tables or basic tables and chairs, and older-looking lamps. The restaurant offers poolside al fresco dining. The lobby lounge is large and striking, with huge pillars, Medieval-style lamps, two sitting areas, and a piano for live entertainment. The pool is surrounded by plants and loungers, and features a separate plunge pool for kids. The hotel also offers 12 meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment and free Wi-Fi, and free on-site parking. The fitness center is fairly attractive and well-equipped, with wooden floors, a wide array of cardio and strength-training machines, and a separate room with weights. There are a whirlpool and a sauna adjacent to the gym, but no full spa.